ND Senator Throws Support Behind Trump Nominee for Sec. of Defense

Pete Hegseth has faced nothing but an uphill battle since being nominated as Trump’s Secretary of Defense.

Immediately, past allegations of sexual misconduct were brought up, his limited military experience, and now another report has surfaced with more allegations.

Even so, Senator Kevin Kramer (R-N.D.) says there is “no reason” not to support Hegseth as the nominee.

Problems for Pete

Hegseth started serving in the Minnesota National Guard in 2004, serving in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.

He has been decorated with the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (2), and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

In 2012, Hegseth was put on active duty, having volunteered to serve in Afghanistan. He left active duty in 2014 as a Major, and was assigned to the Army Ready Reserve (IRR). He rejoined the Guard in 2019.

Hegseth was identified as a possible inside threat during Joe Biden’s inauguration, and he was one of a dozen Guard members flagged and removed from the duty assignment.

According to Hegseth, he was removed from duty to his Jerusalem cross tattoo, which his superiors stated was a sign of extremism. Hegseth then resigned from active duty on March 31, 2021. He separated from the IRR in January 2024.

Hegseth faced allegations of rape, but the incident was investigated and authorities stated they could not find any evidence of the claims.

Hegseth is now facing allegations from former co-workers, claiming that Hegseth looked the other way when male co-workers were harassing female co-workers. They have also claimed that Hegseth was regularly drunk and belligerent at company events.

That has all led to resistance against Hegseth on both sides of the aisle, but Cramer seems to be comfortable with him.

The North Dakota Senator stated, “Well, I am — I give him the benefit of the doubt. I’m ready to be supportive of getting to that point.

“I’m ready to get him in front of the committee. I did warn him, I said, ‘You know, not everybody on the committee’s as friendly as I am.'”

Cramer continued: “I was very favorably impressed, quite honestly. So, I see no reason, at this point, to not be supportive of him.”

I am not sure all the baggage that comes with Hegseth can be overcome, and there are already whispers that Trump has talked to several people about replacing Hegseth if the nomination is blocked.

Shockingly, the name that appears to be atop that list is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which I would fully support.

I would still have the same concerns regarding DeSantis’ rank, but I have far more faith in him being able to handle this assignment than I do Hegseth.